Zambia, Japan mark 61 years of diplomatic ties with renewed commitment to cooperation

Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, has reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties between Zambia and Japan as the two nations celebrate 61 years of diplomatic relations, coinciding with Zambia’s 61st Independence Anniversary.

Speaking during a luncheon held at his residence in Tokyo to mark the occasion, Mulimbika underscored the shared values of peace, unity, and cooperation that have characterized the Zambia–Japan partnership since the country’s independence in 1964.

This is according to a statement issued in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday by Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Faith Chilube.

Mulimbika said this year’s Independence theme — “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia” — reflected not only Zambia’s national journey of peace and progress but also the strength of its international partnerships.

He expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their unwavering support in advancing Zambia’s development across key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and energy.

The envoy also highlighted Japan’s technical and development assistance through JICA and other institutions, which have enhanced Zambia’s human capital, community resilience, and institutional capacity.

Mulimbika further commended the Japanese private sector for its growing contribution to Zambia’s economic transformation through investments that foster technology transfer, job creation, and innovation.

“As we look to the future, Zambia remains open to deeper cooperation and new opportunities for partnership. Guided by our Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030, our focus is on building a diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy that welcomes innovation and sustainable investment,” he said.

In his remarks, Takao Imafuku, Director-General for African Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the close partnership between the two countries, describing Zambia and Japan as “important partners united by shared values and principles.”

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in implementing outcomes from TICAD 9, and cited President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Japan earlier this year as a major milestone — notably marked by the signing of the Japan–Zambia Bilateral Investment Agreement.

“Zambia is a country endowed with abundant mineral resources, particularly copper, whose global demand is expected to rise. The country also holds immense potential in agriculture and tourism, with attractions such as Victoria Falls and its vast national parks,” Imafuku said.

He added that the government of Japan was expediting procedures for the early implementation of the investment agreement and would continue to encourage greater Japanese investment in Zambia.

Imafuku also congratulated Zambia on successfully celebrating its National Day during the Osaka–Kansai Expo, expressing hope that the momentum generated through the Expo, President Hichilema’s visit, and TICAD 9 would further elevate bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Shinagawa City Vice Mayor, Ariake Horikoshi, expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration between the Embassy of Zambia and the Shinagawa Ward, where the Embassy is located.

He commended ongoing cultural exchange programmes between schools in Shinagawa and Zambia and expressed optimism for expanded cooperation and stronger people-to-people ties.

The luncheon was attended by senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, local government representatives, Japanese companies, and friends of Zambia.

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